Page 11 - Alpheus Alexander Gardiner

Dear Daddy,
I never imagined I’d have to say goodbye this soon. I don’t foresee the reality of you not being here becoming any less painful as time goes on.
You were well known for being a strong advocate for discipline but you still had a warm and jovial spirit. You kept everyone giggling and engaged any time we would gather together making for some of the best memories that I’ll always hold dear to my heart. With me being the only young child in the family for awhile, at times you became a child again for me, from allowing me to force berets on your hair to going on
rollercoasters with me on our family vacations.
I observed you persevere through life’s challenges and always remain a source of wisdom, compassion and stability to our family. Whenever I would be at a cross road you would thoroughly consider each path with me and send me on my way with encouraging words to courageously take the next step. I also appreciate that you gave me space to learn some lessons on my own without judgement, with an understanding that experience is the best teacher. Pressing on without you is daunting to say the least. Since you have been gone ‘What would daddy say, think or do’ has been the constant theme of my thoughts.
At every stage of my life you were present and active no matter how busy life got. You would travel any distance to support me through a milestone. You believed in me through my phases of poor judgement and failures. Your belief in me will forever motivate me to be confident even when I am feeling lost.
Because of your constant sacrifice to build and provide a good life for us, I took so much pride and pleasure in being able to assist you or bring joy to you in any way. To be your daughter is an absolute blessing and a privilege that I do not take lightly. Even though you
are gone I still find comfort in your love that I know will never depart from me. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN DADDY.
Dominique
Love eternally,